Just a few weeks into the fall season, and it seems like everyone around you is already coughing and sneezing. Are you next? Not if you become proactive now and use preventative solutions to help ensure that your immune system is working optimally.
So what can you do to maintain the optimal health necessary to help your body fight off those nasty bugs that cause respiratory infections and cold and flu woes? First-line defences include simple yet effective hand washing and proper hygiene, as well as maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Reducing stress can keep the body strong and more resilient against micro-organisms.
Additionally, growing research of natural health supplements provides practical natural solutions for consideration. Here are some of the scientifically backed, immune-boosting ingredients and brands that are popular consumer picks from Nutrition House. You may want to include some of these in your infection-prevention regime.
• Vitamin D has been a hot research topic for the past few years. Recent findings support the use of vitamin D for the prevention of common respiratory infections, including cold and flu. There is some indication that vitamin D deficiency, commonly occurring in the winter months due to lack of sunshine, may be linked to the increase of these conditions. Because vitamin D is not abundant in our food sources, supplementation may be required. For instance, to obtain the daily 1000 IU recommended by the Canadian Cancer society, you would need to consume 10 glasses of milk each day. Nutrition House’s own Vitamin D extra 1000IU in a 108-capsule size versus the standard 90-count gives you more nutrient power and value.
• Elderberry is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat fever, colds and flu. Black elderberry is rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins that appear to have an antiviral effect and support the body’s immune system. Sambucol® Elderberry Extract is a well-studied, effective remedy to help speed recovery and boost immunity, reduces severity of symptoms , and shortens duration of influenza A and B.
• Olive leaf extract derived from the olive tree is a natural remedy for respiratory infections. Olive leaf extract contains a number of phytochemicals that exhibit antibacterial and antiviral properties to help fight colds, flu and other infections. Barlean’s Olive Leaf Complex provides potent immune support for seasonal wellness.
• Echinacea is one of the better known herbs that help boost the immune system. Echinacea is traditionally used to help fight off infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract, while relieving associated symptoms and shortening the duration of illness. Natural Factors Echinamide Anti-Viral Potent Fresh Herbal Tincture is a clinically tested herbal formula designed to stop a cold, flu or other virus in its tracks.
• Probiotics, or good bacteria, elicit a number of positive health effects, particularly in supporting a health immune system. Research shows that probiotics may be useful for preventing respiratory infections in adults and children. Progressive HCP® 70 Full Spectrum Probiotic strategically implants healthy flora throughout the entire digestive tract to strengthen immune functioning.
Building stronger immunity is a top health concern for many consumers as the threat of superbugs and antibiotic-resistant disorders increases. As we move into the winter months, it makes good sense to protect ourselves with healthy habits and common sense supplementation to stay cold- and flu-free throughout the upcoming season.
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